Trending Articles

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The holistic approach: A paradigm shift for quality control in mortgage lending

Housing Wire

In the modern mortgage landscape, quality control (QC) stands as a critical pillar supporting the industry’s integrity and stability. As market conditions fluctuate and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, lenders must adopt a comprehensive approach to QC that goes beyond compliance checkboxes. Consolidated Analytics’ Ed Gerding offers recommended strategies and best practices to elevate lenders’ QC programs from adequate to exceptional.

Lending 432
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EXp agrees to pay $34M to settle antitrust commission lawsuits

Inman

The brokerage was the third-largest by sales volume in 2022 and one of a relative few holdouts who had yet to settle lawsuits targeting the old status quo for real estate commissions.

Brokerage 180
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Have higher mortgage rates already reversed housing demand?

Housing Wire

The Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.50% on Sept. 18 and mortgage rates and bond yields headed higher. But, we have to remember that mortgage rates had already made an almost 2% move lower since the highs of 2023 without rate cuts, as the bond market always gets ahead of the Fed. Since the Fed rate cut, we’ve also seen significant economic data lines beat estimates: housing starts, retail sales, industrial production, GDP and labor data all came in better than expected.

Mortgages 500
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Katie Johnson steps down as NAR’s chief legal officer

Real Estate News

Johnson oversaw historic — and very public — legal cases for the organization, including the buyer agent commission lawsuits and sexual harassment litigation.

Agents 269
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The Broker Action Plan for the Post-NAR Lawsuit Landscape

Now more than ever, brokers need to provide agents with the right tools, strategies, and training to effectively demonstrate their expertise, negotiate successfully, and foster strong client relationships. So – what should brokers do to ensure this? Invest in the right technology, continuous education, and innovative marketing strategies that empower agents to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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This Is the Sweet Spot Homebuyers Have Been Waiting For

Keeping Current Matters

After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move.

Mortgages 241

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NAR tells sellers they don’t have to list on the MLS

Real Estate News

In its latest consumer guide, the association offers general education about MLSs while alluding to the ongoing debate over its Clear Cooperation Policy.

MLS 261
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Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream Home

Keeping Current Matters

If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone.

Equity 194
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Clear Cooperation: Challenges and solutions for agents

Inman

While it has its critics, according to former Realtor Oscar Mazaba, thoughtful modifications could ensure that the policy works as it's intended to while preserving client choice.

Agents 165
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9 Things You Can Expect to Happen at a Real Estate Open House

HomeLight

At some point while house hunting , you’ll need to back away from the online listings and check out some properties in person, and attending open houses can be a great way to do that. But if you haven’t been to an open house before, you’ll need some clarity around the rules of the road and how these events typically play out. Who will be there? Are you free to wander anywhere?

Agents 108
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Tech-Forward Strategies for Scaling Agent Efficiency & Accelerating Growth

As the real estate market evolves, technology has become essential for success. According to NAR, only 26% of agents feel their brokerage provides the necessary tech tools and, as a result, agents seek teams and brokerages who prioritize technology investments! Whether you manage an established team or are forming a new one, this guide outlines key considerations and necessary applications to thrive.

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eXp settles commission lawsuits for $34 million

Housing Wire

The top brokerage in the country by transaction side count, eXp Realty , has settled the commission lawsuits. The parent company of eXp Realty, eXp World Holdings , announced the settlement on Monday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to the filing, the firm officially settled with the Hooper suit plaintiffs on Oct. 1.

Brokerage 419
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More objections pour in over settlements involving Compass, Redfin

Real Estate News

A total of nine brokerages have settled in the Gibson/Umpa case, but objectors balk at damage amounts and cite concerns over the impact on homebuyer claims.

Brokerage 231
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Stellar MLS Subsidiary Working With Arab MLS to Enhance Practices in the Arab Region

RIS Media

Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, has announced an agreement with Arab MLS to enhance its real estate practices across the Arab region and beyond. UCO will advise Arab MLS to further drive efficiency, transparency, user experience and the way people connect with properties, starting with Egypt, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and… The post Stellar MLS Subsidiary Working With Arab MLS to Enhance Practices in the Arab Region appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 105
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Elliman’s Stephen Kotler says the election is only a ‘little ripple’

Inman

The brokerage exec shared details about his day-to-day at Elliman, thoughts on current industry challenges and how, despite popular opinion, an election year typically has very little impact on the market.

Brokerage 175
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Need Curated Pre-foreclosure Lists to Generate New Real Estate Leads? Trellis Has the Data!

Trellis is a state trial court research and analytics platform that provides Real Estate Professionals (Buyers, Foreclosure, Loan Modification, etc.) with LEADS on Pre-Foreclosures, Lis Pendes, Distressed Assets and more — to help uncover **new** opportunities and grow their business. The process is quick and easy — and all in real time. Trellis will supply you with a link to the relevant dockets, a Leads sheet and access to its UI where applicable.

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What Kind of Insurance Do You Need for Short-Term Rentals?

Bigger Pockets

You have finally decided to enter the short-term rental (STR) market, and your biggest concern is a call from the local fire department stating that your house is ablaze or […]

Marketing 116
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Home purchase sentiment hits highest level in two years

Housing Wire

Consumer confidence toward purchasing a home increased in September to its highest level in more than two years due to the expectation of lower mortgage rates , according to Fannie Mae ’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). But that’s only an early sign that the market is shifting. Due to the expectation of rising home prices in some parts of the country, most consumers still think it’s not a good time to buy a home.

Mortgages 416
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Pocket listings lawsuit now focused solely on NAR

Real Estate News

In a fourth amended complaint, Top Agent Network has doubled down on its allegations that Clear Cooperation is anticompetitive and anti-consumer choice.

Agents 228
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How to Cut Through Your Competitors’ Noise as a Real Estate Brokerage

RIS Media

Let’s face it: real estate is a loud industry. The competition is fierce—and it’s everywhere. But contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a bad thing. With the right strategies in place, you can build a brand that stands out from competitors, earns you more market share and attracts new buyers and sellers in your area.… The post How to Cut Through Your Competitors’ Noise as a Real Estate Brokerage appeared first on RISMedia.

Brokerage 119
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Accelerating Real Estate Sales Pipelines to Streamline Buyer Journeys

Navigated 360° tours, like YourVRTours, advance pipelines by engaging clients further along the sales funnel. These immersive experiences provide comprehensive property insights, increasing buyer intent and readiness. By embracing navigated tours, agents can optimize property exposure, better qualify leads, and streamline the sales process. Stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate landscape with innovative technology that elevates buyer journeys and progresses pipelines more effectively.

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Agents see glimmer of hope in hard times: Client Pipeline Tracker

Inman

September's Fed decision may have sparked something agents haven't felt in months: a feeling that the tide may soon turn for buyer pipelines, according to the latest Inman Intel Index survey.

Agents 166
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State of Local Homeownership Prior to the Election

Eye on Housing

With housing being a key issue for the 2024 election cycle, it is worth analyzing distinct characteristics as well as similarities that housing markets in congressional districts share. The differences start with a substantial variation in homeownership rates across congressional districts. While the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) reports that close to two thirds of.

Closing 116
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Minnesota targets right-to-list agreement firm MV Realty in new lawsuit

Housing Wire

MV Realty is facing more legal action, this time in Minnesota. The firm — which is now infamous for its right-to-list agreements — is being sued along with its Minnesota branch, MV Realty of Minnesota , and the companies’ shared executive, Amanda Zachman. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed suit in late September in Ramsey County, charging MV Realty with unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Brokerage 412
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EasyKnock takes victory lap after $153K arbitration ruling

Real Estate News

The sale-leaseback proptech mired in legal action celebrated a win that absolved the firm of wrongdoing and awarded it over $153,000 for past due rent and fees.

Sales 218
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Maximizing Your Online Presence: Tips for Real Estate Agents on Social Media

Speaker: Sarah Santa Ana, Real Estate Coach, Move4Free Realty

Networking is one of the crucial elements in every real estate organization's success. Both agents and real estate companies need to maintain robust networking links. This is why social media is essential for any real estate professional! Social media enables you to stay in touch with your present clients, maintain connections with your past clients, and engage potential customers and investors.

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Powell Says Recession Risk Gone, but Housing Inflation Will Persist for ‘Some Years’

RIS Media

After more than two years of heavy-handed rate-raising by the Federal Reserve, which was largely responsible for putting the brakes on a historically hot pandemic housing market, Fed Chair Jerome Powell yesterday explicitly said that the central bank believes the country has avoided a recession and navigated a so-called “soft landing”—but still sees housing inflation… The post Powell Says Recession Risk Gone, but Housing Inflation Will Persist for ‘Some Years’ appeared first on RISMedia.

Land 124
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5 takeaways from Zillow’s 2025 Consumer Housing Trends Report

Inman

Zillow recently surveyed over 5,000 buyers and 6,200 sellers to capture important information for our first annual Consumer Housing Trends Report for Agents.

Agents 176
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BiggerNews: Will Lower Rates Remove America’s “Golden Handcuffs”?

Bigger Pockets

For years, we’ve been told that lower mortgage rates could reignite homebuyer demand and help improve affordability so first-time homebuyers (or even rookie landlords) can finally buy their first property.

Mortgages 111
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Despite challenges, dementia patients and caregivers prefer to age in place

Housing Wire

Despite additional challenges that may come with caring for an older person afflicted with dementia, both patients and their caregivers would prefer to age in place within the home of the patient. Both parties cite a desire to preserve the patient’s independence, and to avoid both concerning stories of congregate care facilities and the guilt that could come from transferring a loved one to a dedicated care center.

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Boldtrail Backoffice - Take The Quiz to See What Package Is Right For You

BoldTrail BackOffice provides a single, streamlined solution to manage agent onboarding and billing and commission tracking and disbursements, along with agent management, reporting, and accounting - so your brokerage can run smoothly & profitably. Our #1-rated back office solutions have exactly what your business needs to deliver a seamless experience for your clients and your team.

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Should this 3-page buyer agreement be a model for the industry?

Real Estate News

University at Buffalo School of Law professor Tanya Monestier’s draft agreement gets most agents “90% of the way there,” she told Real Estate News.

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Hispanic Homeownership Continues to Grow—Advocates Say It Is Time to Take Notice

RIS Media

Above, Rose Kemp As the industry celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, new data shows Hispanic homeownership continues to swiftly rise, and Hispanic real estate professionals are urging the industry to take notice of this ever-growing business sector. There are over 9.5 million Hispanic homeowners, a homeownership rate of 49.5%, as reported in the National Association of… The post Hispanic Homeownership Continues to Grow—Advocates Say It Is Time to Take Notice appeared first on RISMedia.

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Zillow data says Showcase Agents win 20% more listings than similar non-Showcase agents

Inman

Zillow took their real estate marketing product, Zillow Showcase, nationwide earlier this year. However, 2024 has been a year like no other with changing interest rates and new industry standards.

Agents 161